Dear Arshad Warsi, Prabhas’ Bhairava in Kalki 2898 AD is no Mad Max—and that's the point

Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi recently found himself in the crosshairs of social media backlash after expressing disappointment with the latest Telugu blockbuster, Kalki 2898 AD. Warsi, in particular, took issue with the portrayal of Telugu superstar Prabhas, lamenting that he "wanted a Mad Max and Mel Gibson" but instead got a "joker" in Prabhas. However, it seems Warsi may have misunderstood the essence of the character and the film's vision.

Prabhas knew exactly what he was getting into when he signed up for Kalki 2898 AD. Director Nag Ashwin did not set out to create a Mel Gibson-like figure from Mad Max; instead, he envisioned a quintessential Telugu hero, one who could embody a range of complexities beyond the traditional white knight trope wandering a dystopian desert.

ALSO READ: Here's why Arshad Warsi felt Prabhas looked like a joker in Kalki 2898 AD

In Kalki 2898 AD, Prabhas' character, Bhairava, is not a straightforward hero. He is a lost soul, driven by self-interest and a deep desire to amass enough digital currency to buy his way into the Complex—a paradise suspended in the sky, hovering above a dystopian hell. Bhairava masks his pain with humour and buries his empathy beneath a façade of indifference. Growing up in a world of scarcity and abject poverty, he has learned to be cunning, always prioritizing his own survival above all else. This approach is antithetical to the classic hero arche, one built on integrity and moral values.

Mr. Warsi, do you recall the pivotal scene from Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome where Max refuses to kill the baby-faced giant in the Thunderdome? Max could have secured both wealth and freedom by simply smashing his enemy's head, yet he hesitates, saying, "This was not part of the deal." Now, imagine Bhairava in Max’s place—what would happen? Bhairava would not struggle with moral dilemmas before bringing the hammer down on his rival. He is a character who has not yet realized the hero within himself, and until he does, it’s unrealistic to expect him to behave like Max.

The story of Kalki 2898 AD and Bhairava's journey is just beginning, and naturally, it will take time for Bhairava to evolve into the kind of hero that Arshad Warsi might find more palatable. Prabhas himself acknowledged this complexity. In an interview with Deadline Hollywood before the film's release, he said, "It's a superhero film. The interesting part is he's really funny. I like the way Nag has designed my character. I think he's the only funny guy in the whole Project K. Nag is also very good at writing emotional scenes. So the film is also high on emotions. I'm the only comedian in the film."

While Prabhas is a bona fide action hero, he is equally skilled at playing comedic roles. If Arshad Warsi were to revisit some of Prabhas' earlier films, those that came before Baahubali, he might gain a better understanding of why the majority of audiences don't share his disappointment with Prabhas' performance in Kalki 2898 AD. The nuance and depth Prabhas brings to Bhairava’s character is precisely what makes his journey compelling, and it’s a journey that’s only just begun.

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